2026 Atomically Precise Nanochemistry Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - Project Summary The 2026 Atomically Precise Nanochemistry Gordon Research Conference (GRC) will bridge the fundamental chemistry and emerging applications of nanomaterials whose structures and properties are tailored to atomic precision. This meeting’s goal is to catalyze the translation of fundamental science into technological advancements by bringing leaders in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization together with pioneers in biomedical, quantum, and catalysis applications. A major objective of this meeting is to support the rapidly accelerating field of engineering metallic nanoclusters with properties such as bright fluorescence and controlled biofunctionalization to address major biomedical challenges, e.g. deep tissue imaging in the NIR-I and NIR-II tissue transparency windows, new cryoelectron microscopy modalities to better understand structure and function of cells and biological tissues, and quantitative biomedical sensing and theranostics. To meet this objective, we have designed the GRC with a distinct focus on biomedicine, with 9 invited speakers working in the area of nanoclusters for emerging biomedical technologies, as well as two sessions on emerging biomedical technologies enabled by these promising nanomaterials: “Clusters for Biomaging and Therapeutics” and “Nanocluster-Biomolecule Interfaces”. We believe this format will be highly significant for supporting the growing biomedically focused efforts in this field through active discussions, presentations, and idea-sharing, thereby ensuring the success of these new efforts to harness atomically precise nanochemistry to develop new biomedical tools and technologies. A second major objective of this meeting is to support career development, particularly of early-career and trainee researchers. GRCs include at most 200 participants including student and postdoc trainees, early career researchers, and senior faculty and other researchers. The conference’s small size is designed to enhance interactions, seed collaborations, and support training and career development of more junior participants, thereby ensuring workforce development. Moreover, this GRC has an associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), a unique forum for young grad student and postdoc researchers to present their work, discuss ideas and pre-published data, and build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators facilitate active participation in scientific discussion. GRS participants are highly encouraged to attend the GRC on Atomically Precise Nanochemistry that takes place immediately after the GRS, and nearly all students attend both the GRC and GRS. Therefore, the GRS is essential to the educational mission of this conference, including developing the future leaders in the field of atomically precise nanomaterials for biomedical science and technologies.
